Traveling to Chicago...

This is a discussion on Traveling to Chicago... within the Concealed Carry Issues & Discussions forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; My wife and I will be travelling to Chicago from Detroit. Unfortunately, we understand that our weapons are staying home and we will never enter ...

Traveling to Chicago...

My wife and I will be travelling to Chicago from Detroit. Unfortunately, we understand that our weapons are staying home and we will never enter the state of Illinois with guns in the car, unloaded or not. That is not the issue. We will be attending a baseball game at Wrigley Field (the reason for the trip-always wanted to see Wrigley), plus the Cubs are playing the Tigers. Just wondering about the neighborhood around Wrigley...is it safe for the most part? We are both unfamiliar with that area, not sure if it's generally safe to walk around, etc. Plus we will be wearing Tigers gear (questioning because of the Oklahoma City shootings). I would hate to get caught in a bad situation in an unfamiliar place. I don't want to be paranoid, but cautious nonetheless. We want to have fun, but not fearing for our safety. We know Detroit very well, whaere we can go, safe areas, very familiar with the city, but Chicago is new to us. Anyone from Chicago or know that area well that can give some tips?

I don't think the neighborhood is bad. I would taxi it to the park though, thieves target sporting events. Watch your drinking as it affect your situational awareness. Your Michigan Permit is recognized as an IL FOID card per IL Supreme Court ruling affording you the limited privileges as IL Residents. Just follow federal firearm transportation laws. It's up to you. I have some good restaurant recommendations. PM me if you're interested.

the area is fairly safe, I would make it a point to not linger too long after the game, 30 minutes or so after the game ends the crowds are gone as well as the added police patrols. if you've been going to tiger home games you should know the drill.
in NY going to a yankee game involves visiting a not so good neighborhood but as long as you come and go with the crowds, do not wander too far from the beaten paths you rarely hear of problems there, one last tip, leaving in the middle of the game sometimes isn;t very safe when at arenas in not such great areas.

Probably wise to only display your colors (opposing team apparel) at the game. Be able to cover it or do a quick change to and from and if you're are going to mill around the area. Win or lose some sports fans or proud locals are just plain whacko these days.

I was in Chicago on Monday from Michigan. When I got to Illinois I unload the pistol and put it in a locked box with the ammo in a different location. As I understand it this is perfectly legal.

no it wasn't legal. FOPA rules protect those transiting an anti state like IL as long as you are going from a place you are legal to a place where you are legal and you empty and lock up the gun in your trunk. the law is not going to protect you if you are visiting a place like IL. You are lucky that your weapon wasn't discovered, you could have faced arrest and prosecution.

no it wasn't legal. FOPA rules protect those transiting an anti state like IL as long as you are going from a place you are legal to a place where you are legal and you empty and lock up the gun in your trunk. the law is not going to protect you if you are visiting a place like IL. You are lucky that your weapon wasn't discovered, you could have faced arrest and prosecution.

I guess I was lucky. That could have been ugly. There were lots of Suburbans in Chicago that day with long guns sticking out the windows. The NATO crowd was in town.

no it wasn't legal. FOPA rules protect those transiting an anti state like IL as long as you are going from a place you are legal to a place where you are legal and you empty and lock up the gun in your trunk. the law is not going to protect you if you are visiting a place like IL. You are lucky that your weapon wasn't discovered, you could have faced arrest and prosecution.

I think it was legal. Your Michigan permit is considered an FOID Card. LE may not know it but The Illinois Supreme court does.

I don't think the neighborhood is bad. I would taxi it to the park though, thieves target sporting events. Watch your drinking as it affect your situational awareness. Your Michigan Permit is recognized as an IL FOID card per IL Supreme Court ruling affording you the limited privileges as IL Residents. Just follow federal firearm transportation laws. It's up to you. I have some good restaurant recommendations. PM me if you're interested.

Actually, our plan was to taxi it from our hotel (Downtown Hyatt on the river) to Wrigley and back.

Sounds like there's alot of differing opinions on our carry options in Illinois. Unfortunately, I think this time the weapons are going to stay at home. We just don't need any issues should they arise. I'm sure everything will turn out fine even though we will be in an unfamiliar area. Common sense will prevail with us.